Two brothers who own XL Grindhouse, a popular restaurant in downtown Salinas, were arrested on attempted murder charges after they beat a homeless man into a coma, police said.

Robert DeLeon, 43, and his younger brother, James DeLeon, 32, were angry with a homeless man for "continuous loitering around the restaurant," police Sgt. Christopher Lane said.

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The duo was arrested on the 100 block of South Main Street on Nov. 21 and booked into the Monterey County Jail.

Lane said police began their investigation on Oct. 13, when a concerned citizen called and said a 55-year-old homeless man was seriously injured and acting strangely.

"The victim was able to tell the officer and medical personnel he was beaten near the area of the XL Grindhouse Restaurant two days prior," Lane said. "The victim had noticeable injuries to his face and head. He was transported to a local hospital, where his health quickly deteriorated, and he fell into a coma."

The victim had sustained serious head injuries and was flown to a Bay Area hospital. He remained in a coma for several days, Lane said.

"I can see where business owners have become concerned with their customers being asked for money, harassed and bothered," Salinas police officer Henry Gomez said. "I don't think that's ever a justification for assaulting someone and nearly beating him or her to death."